Dr. Azul DelGrasso
Azul DelGrasso, PhD (Romani), is a multifaceted expert with a distinguished 28-year career in public health and capacity-building assistance. His expertise in this field is unparalleled, and he has now transitioned to focus on psychedelic consultation, ceremony work, and academic research. Azul continues to occasionally consult with public health organizations around sexual health and care, leveraging his vast expertise while now placing a greater emphasis on consciousness studies and the transformative potential of psychedelics.
During his public health career, Azul provided national training and technical assistance in critical areas like Social Determinants of Health, Racial Equity, and Culturally Affirmative Care for LGBTQ+ communities, supported by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) through Capacity Building Assistance (CBA) programs. He was also a key figure in promoting sex positivity, sexual health, and trauma-informed approaches. Azul spearheaded the first rapid HIV testing program in Mexico, collaborating with the AIDS Healthcare Foundation and CAPASITS in Baja California. Additionally, as one of two testing counselors during the 2010 Magic Johnson HIV Testing Tour, he tested high-risk individuals across all 48 continental US states. Azul also served as one of the first PrEP coordinators in Los Angeles County, leading over fifteen PrEP Institutes nationwide.
Now, after dedicating the past decade to exploring 5-MeO-DMT, Azul has recently graduated in Transformative Studies at the California Institute of Integral Studies, where his research focuses on consciousness and psychedelics. His lifelong involvement with psychedelic ceremonies, rooted in his Romani traditions, has continued since he was 18, shaping his approach to transformative healing practices.
With Dual Master's Degrees in Latin American Studies from California State University Los Angeles and Ecopsychology from Naropa University, Azul bridges public health, consciousness, and social justice. After over a decade in Los Angeles, Azul now lives in Denver, Colorado, and is fully dedicated to his consulting, ceremonial practice, and academic research—his unwavering commitment is evident in his efforts to help individuals ascend their voices through psychedelic experiences.
CV PREVIEW
Full CV Available Upon Request
EDUCATION
California Institute of Integral Studies, San Francisco, CA
Ph.D., Transformative Studies, Certificate and Focus in Consciousness Studies, May 2025
Dissertation: “5-MeO-DMT and Unitive Consciousness: Reframing Self, Global Justice, and Ecological Renewal Through Psychedelic Spiritual Rebirth.”
Naropa University, Boulder, CO
MA, Ecopsychology, International Ecopsychology Society, May 2020
Thesis: “5-MeO-DMT and Nature Interconnectedness: Understanding Ecological Identity Through the Art of Living Resurrection”
Advisor: Professor Travis Cox
California State University Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
MA, Latin American Studies, Golden Key Honour Society, December 2008
Thesis: “Border Health and Revolutionary Movements in Latin America” Advisor: Professor Manuel Aguilar
Metropolitan State University, Denver, CO
BA, Major: Modern Languages, Chicano Studies. Minor: Fine Art, Philosophy. Phi Sigma Iota, May 2004
RESEARCH, SPEAKING, AND TEACHING INTERESTS
The social, cultural, and political history of psychedelic environments
5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT)
Ecopsychology and social movements.
History and theory of psychedelic phenomenology
Trauma-informed models and traditional ceremony of the southwest
Race and the design ofprofessions in American psychedelic policy
Consciousness and Social movements
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in healthcare and psychedelics settings
PUBLICATIONS
“Defining 5-MeO-DMT in Historical and Cultural Contexts," World Futures: The Journal of New Paradigm Research: Vol 80, Issue 1, 2024
“Visionary Art as Evolving Consciousness," Journal of Conscious Evolution: Vol. 19, Article 4. 2022
“Los Angeles County Latino Heritage Calendar and Cultural Guide” 2012-2024, Los Angeles, CA
“Becoming an anti-racist organization: racial identity caucusing as a tool in the journey.” Few TE, DelGrasso, A, Del Hierro M, Burnside HB, Sharp R, KaMashiriiche J. 2021. Denver Prevention Training Center.
“HIV Testing in Retail Pharmacies Trainer Guide and Manual”. CDC’s High-Impact HIV Prevention Interventions. Burnside HB, Bajaj SB, DelGrasso, A. 2018.
“Rapid HIV Testing in Transgender Communities by Community-Based Organizations in Three Cities-United States,” Public Health Reports / 2008 Supplement 3 / Volume 123 Atlanta, GA
“Rapid HIV Testing in Outreach and Other Community Settings in the United States, 2004–2006”, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, November 30, 2007 / Vol. 56 / No. 47, Atlanta, GA
PRESENTATIONS
“Psychedelics and Trauma-Responsive Practices: Addressing HIV-Related Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Care Team Burnout” International Association of Providers of AIDS Care Continuum Conference 2025, San Juan, Puerto Rico, June 2025
“Navigating Healthcare Challenges for Latine Populations: Through Evolving Immigration Policies and Their Impact on Access, Stigma, and HIV Service” 2025 National Latinx Conference, Las Vegas, Nevada, May 2025
“Ecopsychedelic Practices for Addressing Eco/Social Crisis” The Nowak Society, Boulder, Colorado, December 2024
“Exploring Consciousness: Phenomenological Insights from 5-MeO-DMT Experiences” 24th International EUROTAS Conference, New College, Oxford, United Kingdom, September 2024
“Exploring Consciousness: Phenomenological Insights from 5-MeO-DMT Experiences” The Nowak Society, Boulder, Colorado, June 2024
“Exploring Consciousness: Phenomenological Insights from 5-MeO-DMT Experiences” The Science of Consciousness Conference, Tucson, AZ, April 2024
“Ecopsychedelic Practices for Addressing Eco/Social Crisis” Naropa University, Boulder, Colorado, April 2024
“Visionary Art as Evolving Consciousness” 2023 Annual International Jean Gebser Society Conference The Emergence of Integral Consciousness, San Francisco, California September 2023
“Utilizing Psychedelics to Treat HIV-Related PTSD: Understanding Prevalence, Safety Considerations, and Protocols” 2023 United States Conference on HIV/AIDS, Washington, D.C., September 2023
“Ecopsychedelic Practices for Addressing Eco/Social Crisis” Pre-conference Workshop—2023 MAPS Psychedelic Science Conference, Denver, Colorado, June 2023
“Visionary Art as Evolving Consciousness” The Science of Consciousness Conference, Taormina, Sicily May 2023
“Utilizing Psychedelics to Treat HIV-Related PTSD: Understanding Prevalence, Safety Considerations, and Protocols” 2023 National Latinx Conference, New Orleans, Louisiana, May 2023
“Psychedelics & 5-MeO-DMT” Modern Hippie Podcast, November 2022
“But First, Therapy - Climate Anxiety, Psychedelics and Ecotherapy” Greenish Podcast, February 2021
“Culturally Responsive Care to Reduce Stigma” National Latinx Conference on HIV, HCV, & SUD, Virtual, 2020, 2021
“Providing Expedited Access to HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) at Denver Metro Health Clinic, a Categorical STD Clinic” National Latinx Conference on HIV, HCV, & SUD, San Antonio, Texas, 2019
“Developing Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Services in Native Communities” United States Conference on HIV & AIDS, Washington, DC 2019
“Cause Behind Cause, Undoing Racism to End the HIV Epidemic” United States Conference on HIV & AIDS, Washington, DC, 2019
“Overview of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis” Circle of Harmony HIV/AIDS Wellness Native American Conference, Albuquerque, New Mexico 2019
“HIV Testing in Retail Pharmacy Settings, Curriculum Development & HIV Testing in Action” National HIV Prevention Conference, Atlanta, Georgia, 2019
“Outcomes of two Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis summits in the Midwest” National Ryan White Conference on HIV Care & Treatment, National Harbor, Maryland, 2018
“Abstract- Testing America” International AIDS Society Conference Rome, Italy, July 2011
“Rapid HIV Testing in Border Cities” Mexican National Conference on HIV/AIDS, Leon, Guanajuato November 2007
CERTIFICATIONS
Langevin Training:
Instructional Design for the Virtual Trainer
Advanced Techniques Writing Skills Polish Your Presentations
Maximizing Engagement in the Virtual Classroom
Writing Skills for Trainers
Advanced Instructional Techniques: The Art of Facilitation
Instructional Design for New Designers
Medicinal Mindfulness Psychedelic Sitters School Level I & II, 2021
LEAN Foundations, Management Systems, and Coaching for Continuous Improvement Certification
FEMA Introduction to Incident Command System Certification
FEMA National Incident Management System (NIMS) Certification
HIPAA Privacy & Security Certification
Centers for Disease Control (CDC) STDs for Non-Clinicians & Comprehensive Introduction to Effective STD/HIV Behavior Interventions
CDC Client-Centered 1:1 Interventions, Concepts for HIV, Integrating Rapid Testing and Counseling
CDC Master Train the Trainer (TOT): HIV Patient Navigation Services, HIV Testing In Retail Pharmacies. Social Determinants of Health
Centers for Council: Council Training II Way of Council Certification expected Spring 2025
Wilderness First Responder Certification expected Summer 2025
Officiant of the Temple of Awaking Divinity - Temple Acolyte Training 5-MeO-DMT, 2022
Zendo Project Volunteer Training – Burning Man 2022
School of Lost Borders: Mirroring the Four Shields of Human Nature, August 2021
Creative Strategies for Change Equity & Liberation Facilitator Training, 2019
Centers for Council: Council Training I Introduction to the Way of Council Certification, 2019
EFT Practitioner Training- Sonya Sophia School of Living Arts, 2017
Usui Shiki Ryoho Reiki I&II- Tree of Light Healing, 2014
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